PCOS And Smoking

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common excess androgen imbalance in women, has been defined by the Androgen Excess Society (AES) as a predominantly hyperandrogenic syndrome. In addition to clinical symptoms such as menstrual disorders, hirsutism, and sterility, women with PCOS could develop metabolic sequelae. 

Smoking is defined, by Britannica, as the act of inhaling and exhaling the fumes of burning plant material which includes marijuna and hashish, but the act is most commonly connected with tobacco as smoked in a cigarette, pipe, or cigar. Tobacco consists of an alkaloid called nicotine which can have both invigorating and pacifying psychoactive effects and is habit-forming. Smoking, in females with PCOS, is associated with elevated free testosterone and fasting insulin levels, which makes insulin resistance more severe. 

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women and causes reproductive hormones to be imbalanced. This hormonal disorder tends to lead to insulin resistance, infertility, cardiovascular problems, and obesity, including tons of other health issues. PCOS is a polygenic, dysregulated steroid state, autoimmune, inflammatory, polyfactorial, systemic disease, manifesting mainly due to lifestyle errors.

Females of reproductive age with PCOS secrete numerous amounts of male hormones which causes erratic menstrual periods, hinder pregnancy, hair growth on the face and body, and baldness. 

Birth control pills and diabetes drugs which fight insulin resistance help fix hormonal disorder and enhance symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe in women. All symptoms might not be present in a woman with PCOS. Some experience menstrual problems only or inability to conceive, or both.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea
• Inability to get pregnant (due to irregular ovulation or no ovulation)
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, back, or buttocks
• Weight gain
• Hair thinning and loss of hair on the head
• Obesity
• Skin tag
• Cysts

Does smoking increase androgen levels?

Smoking tends to increase testosterone because nicotine and/or its metabolites share the same disposal pathway with androgens, which could competitively inhibit its disposal. Nicotine has an anti-estrogen effect in women and it increases the ratio of androgens to estrogens throughout life. Nicotine and other cigarette toxins also cause overactivity of the reproductive & hormonal system, and have an effect on the probability of a successful pregnancy not only in cases of assisted reproduction but also in healthy women.

Can smoking while pregnant increase the risk of PCOS for the baby?

Yes, smoking while pregnant increases the risk. Studies have shown that maternal smoking and increased BMI seems to elevate the chances of PCOS in offspring. Among women with PCOS who smoke, the risk of gestational diabetes is also increased. It could lead to having a huge baby which could lead to issues during delivery.

Potential risks for the baby with maternal PCOS include premature birth, too big for gestational age, miscarriage, etc

Tips for quitting smoking

1. Find a Reason to quit

To be motivated to quit, there must be a solid reason. Choosing a good and strong reason is strong enough to keep you motivated at all times.

2. Be prepared before quitting

It takes more than throwing away cigarettes since smoking is an addiction. Counselling, quit-smoking classes and apps, medication, and hypnosis are things tools that can be used to help to stop smoking. To quit smoking, it takes being well prepared before the journey begins.   

3. Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Due to the symptoms shown while quitting smoking, there is a great need to consider. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help  to reduce the urges. Studies show that lozenges, nicotine gum, and patches with a quit-smoking program elevate chances of success.

Other tips include:

• Learn About Prescription Pills that can ease withdrawal symptoms
• Get Support From Loved Ones
• Get a Break
• Avoid Alcohol and Other Triggers
• Make sure the House is clean
• Keep trying, don’t give up
• Add Fruits and Veggies to diet
• Choose Your Reward for more motivation
• Remember That There is enough Time

Summary

Several studies have shown the relationship between smoking and PCOS. Smoking has the potential to increase both metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. Nevertheless, smoking while diagnosed with PCS is crucial. Look after yourself and try maintaining a healthy lifestyle.